One of the absolute most difficult struggles with getting one's finances in order, if one grew up poor and has no mind for saving or for delayed gratification (how long can I delay already?) The psychology of this is fraught with childhood scars and bad memories. But to get one's finances (and life, in general) in order, this should be the first target of diagnosis and treatment and short-, medium- and long-term planning. The rewards are immense - not just a sense of accomplishment, but actually a sense of strength and having overcome an enormous obstacle. On a practical level, it's like being released from mental slavery (to "get it, spend it.") One of the hardest things to do as an adult, but in some ways, the most critical for personal (and, of course, financial) growth.
http://www.learnvest.com/2013/08/are-you-behaving-like-a-poor-person/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=internal